VASSEUR REACTS AFTER RUSSELL PIPS LECLERC TO AUSTRIA POLE

George Russell snatched pole position for the Austrian GP, narrowly beating Charles Leclerc despite having to lift for yellow flags after Max Verstappen's late crash. Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur downplayed any disappointment, instead focusing on the positives of Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton starting P2 and P3. Vasseur believes Ferrari is firmly in the fight with Mercedes and expects strong race pace, trusting Race Control's decision on the yellow flag incident.

He defended Leclerc's recent form, insisting the Monegasque's pace was always there, and his P2 qualifying simply demonstrated putting a full lap together. While Mercedes appeared a step ahead in qualifying, Vasseur stressed Ferrari's Sunday focus will be on impeccable tire management and clean air, replicating their successful Barcelona strategy. This sets up a critical race where Ferrari aims to convert their grid advantage into a points haul and maintain pressure on the championship leader.